The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the UPSC CDS 1 Admit Card 2026 for the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026. The exam is scheduled to be held on 12 April 2026 across exam centres all over India.
This recruitment is for 451 vacancies across four prestigious defence academies: the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). Candidates who registered between 10 December 2025 and 30 December 2025 can now download their admit card directly from the official UPSC website.
The UPSC CDS exam is one of the most respected defence entrance exams in India. It is your gateway to becoming a commissioned officer in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force. The selection process includes a written examination followed by an SSB Interview and a Medical Examination.
Selected candidates receive a training stipend of Rs. 56,100 per month, along with outstanding career growth, job security, government housing, and pension benefits. If you are an aspiring defence officer, this is your moment.
UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026 Overview
The UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026 is conducted for admission to officer training courses at IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA starting from January 2027 and April 2027 respectively.
| Heading | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (I) 2026 |
| Post Name | Commissioned Officer in Indian Army, Navy, Air Force (IMA, INA, AFA, OTA) |
| Total Vacancies | 451 |
| Department | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) / Ministry of Defence |
| Qualification | Graduate Degree (Post Wise) |
| Job Location | All India |
| Age Limit | 19 to 25 Years (Academy Wise) |
| Salary / Stipend | Rs. 56,100 per month during training (Level 10, 7th Pay Commission) |
| Admit Card Release Date | 02 April 2026 |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
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Notification Out
UPSC officially released the CDS 1 2026 notification on 10 December 2025 at upsc.gov.in for 451 vacancies across IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. Applications were accepted from 10 December 2025 to 30 December 2025. The admit card has been released on 2 April 2026, and the written exam will be held on 12 April 2026.
UPSC CDS 1 Vacancy 2026
A total of 451 vacancies have been announced for CDS 1 2026 across four defence academies for both male and female eligible candidates.
| Post Name / Academy | No. of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | 32 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | 32 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Men) | 169 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Women SSC Non-Tech) | 18 |
| Total | 451 |
Important Dates for UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026
Knowing all the key dates is very important for every CDS 1 2026 aspirant. The exam is just around the corner, so download your admit card and reach your exam centre on time.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Released | 10 December 2025 |
| Online Application Start Date | 10 December 2025 (6:00 PM) |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 30 December 2025 |
| Admit Card Released | 02 April 2026 |
| Written Exam Date (CDS I) | 12 April 2026 (Sunday) |
| Written Exam Date (CDS II) | 13 September 2026 |
| Result / SSB Interview | Expected April / May 2026 onwards |
Application Fee for UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026
The application fee for UPSC CDS 1 2026 is Rs. 200 for General and OBC male candidates. Female candidates and SC/ST candidates are completely exempted from paying any fee, which is a great benefit.
| Category | Fee | Payment Mode |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (Male) | Rs. 200 | Online (Credit Card / Debit Card / UPI / Net Banking / SBI Challan) |
| SC / ST (Male) | Nil (Exempted) | Not Applicable |
| Female Candidates (All Categories) | Nil (Exempted) | Not Applicable |
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must be Indian citizens, within the required age range, hold the specified educational qualification, be unmarried (for IMA, INA, AFA), and must be medically and physically fit as per Indian Armed Forces standards to apply for UPSC CDS 1 2026.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian Citizen (or eligible as per UPSC notification) |
| Gender | Male for IMA, INA, AFA. Both Male and Female for OTA |
| Marital Status | Unmarried at the time of application for all academies |
| Physical Fitness | Must meet physical and medical standards as per Ministry of Defence guidelines |
| Minimum Height (Male) | 157 cm (with relaxation for certain regions) |
| Minimum Height (Female / OTA) | 152 cm |
Educational Qualification
Different academies under UPSC CDS 1 2026 require different educational qualifications ranging from a graduate degree to an engineering degree depending on the academy chosen.
| Post / Academy | Qualification |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | Degree from a recognized university or equivalent |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) Men and Women | Degree from a recognized university or equivalent |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Engineering Degree from a recognized university or institution |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | Degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level OR Bachelor of Engineering |
Final year graduation students can also apply provisionally. They must submit proof of passing their degree examination before the specified deadline at the time of SSB interview, failing which their candidature will be cancelled.
Age Limit
Age limits differ academy-wise for CDS 1 2026. All candidates must be unmarried and within the eligible birth date range as per the official UPSC notification.
| Academy | Minimum Age | Maximum Age | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMA (Male Unmarried) | 19 Years | 24 Years | No General Relaxation |
| INA (Male Unmarried) | 19 Years | 24 Years | No General Relaxation |
| AFA (Male Unmarried) | 20 Years | 24 Years | Up to 26 Years for valid CPL holders |
| OTA Men (Unmarried) | 19 Years | 25 Years | No General Relaxation |
| OTA Women (Unmarried) | 19 Years | 25 Years | No General Relaxation |
Exam Pattern for UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026
The UPSC CDS 1 2026 written exam is a pen-and-paper based objective type test. Candidates applying for IMA, INA, and AFA appear for three papers, while OTA candidates appear for only two papers. There is a negative marking of 1/3 mark for every wrong answer. No marks are deducted for unanswered questions.
| Subject | Marks | Duration | Applicable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 Hours | IMA, INA, AFA, OTA |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours | IMA, INA, AFA, OTA |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 2 Hours | IMA, INA, AFA Only (Not OTA) |
| Total Marks (IMA / INA / AFA) | 300 | 6 Hours Total | IMA, INA, AFA |
| Total Marks (OTA) | 200 | 4 Hours Total | OTA Only |
UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026 Salary
During the training period, selected candidates receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 56,100 as per Pay Level 10 of the 7th Pay Commission. This amount becomes the starting basic pay after commissioning as a Lieutenant or equivalent officer rank. After commissioning, officers receive a pay scale of Rs. 56,100 to Rs. 1,77,500 at Level 10, along with Military Service Pay (MSP) of Rs. 15,500 per month.
Additional benefits include Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA), Leave Travel Concession (LTC), medical facilities for self and family, life insurance cover of approximately Rs. 1.25 crore, pension, and retirement benefits. This makes a career through UPSC CDS one of the most financially rewarding and prestigious government career paths in India.
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Training Stipend | Rs. 56,100 per month (Level 10) |
| Pay Scale After Commissioning | Rs. 56,100 to Rs. 1,77,500 per month |
| Military Service Pay (MSP) | Rs. 15,500 per month |
| Additional Allowances | DA, HRA, TA, LTC, Medical, Life Insurance, Pension |
Selection Process
The UPSC CDS 1 2026 selection process has three main stages. Candidates must clear each stage to get a final appointment as a commissioned officer in the Indian Armed Forces.
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Stage 1: Written Examination | Objective type pen-and-paper exam. English, GK, and Maths for IMA/INA/AFA. English and GK only for OTA. Negative marking of 1/3 per wrong answer. |
| Stage 2: SSB Interview | Five-day process at Services Selection Board. Stage I: OIR Test and PP&DT. Stage II: Psychology Tests, GTO Tasks, and Personal Interview. SSB marks: 300 for IMA/INA/AFA, 200 for OTA. |
| Stage 3: Medical Examination | Only for SSB-recommended candidates. Detailed medical check as per Ministry of Defence standards. Review Medical Examination (RME) available if needed. |
| Final Merit List | Based on combined scores in written exam and SSB interview, subject to availability of vacancies and medical fitness. |
Required Documents
Keep the following documents ready for downloading the admit card, appearing in the exam, and for document verification and SSB stages of the UPSC CDS 1 2026 selection process.
- UPSC CDS 1 2026 Admit Card (printed clearly on white paper)
- Valid Government-issued Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving Licence)
- Graduation Degree Certificate and Mark Sheets from a recognized university
- Class 10th and 12th Certificates (for age proof and qualification verification)
- Caste / Community Certificate for SC / ST / OBC candidates (if applicable)
- Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) for AFA candidates seeking age relaxation
- Recent Passport Size Photographs
- UPSC Online Application Confirmation Page printout
- Medical fitness documents (to be arranged for Medical Examination stage)
How to Download UPSC CDS 1 Admit Card 2026
Downloading the UPSC CDS 1 Admit Card 2026 is quick and easy. Follow these simple steps carefully and take a clear printout to carry on exam day. Without the admit card, you will not be allowed to enter the exam hall.
- Go to the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in or the UPSC online portal at upsconline.nic.in.
- On the homepage, go to the “What’s New” section and look for the link that says “E-Admit Card: Combined Defence Services Examination (I) 2026”.
- Click on the admit card link to go to the download page.
- Read all the important instructions on the page carefully before entering your details.
- Enter your Registration ID or Roll Number in the required field.
- Enter your Date of Birth and the Captcha code shown on the screen.
- Click on the Submit button to access your CDS 1 2026 admit card.
- Your admit card will appear on the screen. Check all the details carefully including your name, date of birth, exam centre, reporting time, and roll number.
- If any details are wrong, contact UPSC immediately before the exam date.
- Download the admit card and take a clear black and white or colour printout on plain white A4 paper.
- Keep the printout safely and carry it along with a valid original photo ID proof to the exam centre on 12 April 2026.
Note: The UPSC CDS 1 Admit Card 2026 is a mandatory document for entry into the examination hall. Candidates who do not carry their printed admit card along with a valid original photo ID proof will not be allowed to appear for the exam under any circumstances.
Important Links
Use the direct links below to download the UPSC CDS 1 Admit Card 2026, read the official notification PDF, and visit the UPSC website for all the latest updates on the CDS 1 2026 exam and result.
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Download CDS 1 Admit Card 2026 | Click Here (Direct Link) |
| Official UPSC Notification PDF (CDS I 2026) | Click Here to Download |
| UPSC Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Conclusion
The UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026 is a golden opportunity for graduates to join the Indian Armed Forces as commissioned officers. Download your CDS 1 Admit Card 2026 now and be fully prepared for the exam on 12 April 2026.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026
1. When is the UPSC CDS 1 2026 exam date?
The UPSC CDS 1 2026 written examination is scheduled to be held on 12 April 2026 (Sunday) across multiple exam centres all over India. The exam will be conducted in three sessions on the same day. Candidates must report to the exam centre on time as mentioned on their admit card.
2. How can I download the UPSC CDS 1 Admit Card 2026?
You can download the UPSC CDS 1 Admit Card 2026 from the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in. Go to the “What’s New” section, click on the e-admit card link for CDS 1 2026, enter your Registration ID or Roll Number along with Date of Birth and captcha, then download and print your admit card.
3. How many vacancies are there in UPSC CDS 1 2026?
A total of 451 vacancies have been announced under UPSC CDS 1 2026. These are distributed as: IMA (100), INA (32), AFA (32), OTA Men (169), and OTA Women SSC Non-Technical (18). Female candidates can only apply for the OTA course at Chennai under this recruitment.
4. What is the salary after selection in UPSC CDS 1 2026?
During the training period, selected candidates receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 56,100 (Pay Level 10). After commissioning as a Lieutenant or equivalent officer, the pay scale is Rs. 56,100 to Rs. 1,77,500 per month along with Military Service Pay of Rs. 15,500 and other allowances including DA, HRA, TA, medical benefits, and pension.
5. Are female candidates eligible for UPSC CDS 1 2026?
Yes, female candidates are eligible for the UPSC CDS 1 2026 exam, but only for the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) Short Service Commission (Non-Technical) course. Female candidates cannot apply for IMA, INA, or AFA. They are fully exempted from the application fee of Rs. 200 regardless of their category.
My name is Sourabh Verma, and for the past 6 years I have been writing about government jobs, competitive exams, results, and admit cards. At TheDailySight.com, my goal is to provide students and job seekers with accurate and timely information.